Robert Update
May 14 2012 in Trish's Blog by Trish
How bad can it be? He's got a shake & a puzzle book!
The first thing I want to tell all of you is how much I appreciate the outpouring of support and concern from you. Believe me, it has helped me through the last few days even when I haven’t been able to post here or keep up with you and your carees. I will catch up – promise.
Robert was admitted to the hospital on Friday. There was some debate about putting him in ICU or a regular room and he was kept in the ER for several hours until they eventually settled on a regular room with Telemetry monitoring. His diagnosis: pneumonia in the right lung and Sepsis.
Google Sepsis and you’ll know why this scared the crap out of me.
They started him on antibiotics (two different kinds) but yesterday and today his fever has ranged from “normal” to over 100 degrees. That may not seem like much but for Robert with his diminished cognitive reserves, it takes a huge toll. His BP is low anyway but since Friday it has fluctuated from low to holy-crap low.
They took more blood to run culture tests and also took another chest x-ray. I’ve been at the hospital in order to talk to the doctor when he does rounds in the morning and also through the shift changes so the nurses are able to meet me and I can reiterate certain details about Robert: give him his meds on time and he won’t have an increase in seizures; he has seizures but doesn’t convulse during them; he enjoys his food so it may take a couple of hours to finish his tray.
The important stuff.
He certainly seems better but not out of the woods yet. I am comforted by the fact that he’s in a regular room and, when he’s not sleeping (which he has been a LOT), he’s joking around and doing his word search.
I have so many things to write about this whole ordeal including a difference of opinion with Other Brother about how necessary it is to stay at the hospital since nurses go to school for a reason (ugh!) as well as a few beefs with New Home (shocker!) but will save those for another day when I’m not quite so tired and I can write about them with a good attitude and an ability to learn something from the experiences.
Thank you all for your support and well wishes and thoughts and prayers. I’ve told Robert that he has a lot of people praying for him and thinking of him and hoping he gets better.
His response: a simple “thank you.”
More later…
ejourneys said on May 14, 2012
Trish, thank you so much for the update. Holy moly. I am so glad Robert is feeling better (yay for shakes and puzzle books! — antibiotics, too). You’ve been doing an amazing job getting everyone and everything coordinated and focused, and being an advocate for Robert.
I know you’re remembering to Breathe, but I’ll say it anyway: Don’t forget to Breathe.
Am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. *Hugs*
Denise said on May 14, 2012
Hi Trish, Thanks so much for the update and the photo. Sounds (and looks) like he’s turned the corner. PHEW! You’re doing just great and I’m so glad you’re bringing us with you. Keep us posted as you can.
Sharon said on May 14, 2012
Thanks for the update on Robert, Trish. I have been wondering about him. Your dedication to him is remarkable. Robert has a treasure in you.
G-J said on May 14, 2012
Thanks for the update, Trish. You’ve both been in my thoughts. Your experience is a perfect reminder of how much we need to be there to advocate for our loved ones. Robert looks great in the picture! Would you like a chocolate shake, too?
Kathy said on May 14, 2012
YAY TRISH!!!!
I love good news but will love GREAT news even better.
I like that he is in a reg room too. This way you are not limited by the time you can be with him and see to it that meds are given at the appropriate time. Yes yes the nurses did go to school but better safe than sorry! , Sorry Other brother, I whole heartedly agree with Trish on this decision to stay with Robert
And New Home! Don’t even get me started, I already blamed them a long time ago. rassimfrassimgrr!!
Oh, I’m not going to end on a grr, so..
You are MORE than welcome for the prayers and good thoughts Robert. They will continue for all of you
roaringmouse said on May 14, 2012
Trish,
I am thrilled to see Robert so happy! I needed a smile especially in your kind of scenario. (Blog later.)
I had sent some of this earlier to Denise and she has asked that I post these here too!
My Hubby has had sepsis on more then one occasion. Here’s some more tips for you or others that may help if they haven’t already been done.
When sepsis occurs an infectious disease doctor should be involved. Hubby was getting custom concocted antibiotic mixes to help him fight it off. Twice they told him to “get his affairs” in order. Though…twice Greg told them, “…unless you are G-d, no! You are going to have to work harder!”
Washed hands, tables, remotes (everything I listed) even by doctors and yourself is a priority. Char and I had to wear gloves and did so willingly. It’s silly easy to have the cure not to work because of reinfection. (And yes, Hubby was…several times.) (Even Twinkie has been known to call the nurses out on it!)
Learn of the side effects of the antibiotics: lowering/raising sugars, lower/raising blood pressure, sleepiness vs alertness, temperature changes between medication dosing, is he getting his medication on time and is he getting the correct amount. Also what interactions between the antibiotics and his daily meds may occur. Learn also if his bowel may be impacted due to the meds. Watch for skin changes: these tell of temperature, reactions or diet concerns.
Is clean technique being observed as the IV lines are being changed? Ie, hand washing, not laying tubes to be used on blankets before insertion, etc.
Know that every hour you spend with Robert, in my heart and soul I’m right there with you! We can talk about “New Home” later. My hubby sends you and Roberts his best wishes and has asked me to keep him posted.
I expect soon we’ll hear some positive news!
The Roaring Mouse
Bette said on May 14, 2012
Hi Trish,
I’m glad Robert is doing better; thoughts and prayers continue for both of you.
I hope you are able to get some rest. You continue to speak strongly and steadily for Robert, and I continue to learn so much from that steadiness.
I’ll be anxious for your updates. Thank you for sharing the picture with us!